A modernized workshop in Yuanjiacun Iron Mine, TISCO Photographed by BAI Zhibin

 

The ceremony for State Natural Science Awards for 2017 was held in Beijing on January 8th. Totally 271 programs and 9 scientists were granted awards in the ceremony. Leaders of Chinese Communist Party and the country presented awards to winners. An iron ore processing technology program of TISCO won the second prize of the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award.

 

Yuanjiacun Iron Mine of TISCO, founded in 1958, was the biggest open metallurgical mine in Asia, with proven reserve of 1.26 billion tons. The ore of Yuanjiacun Iron Mine is difficult to process as it is composed of fine hematite and magnetite. Due to the above reason, the government’s effort and try since 1950s all came to failures, leaving the mine a dead stock.

 

Iron ore has tremendous significance to secure China’s resource development strategy as 80% of iron ore demands in the country are supplied overseas. Starting from 2005, TISCO allied with colleges, research institutes and equipment manufacturers to tackle the long-term existing difficulty. It takes 8 years for the company and its ally to build the internationally leading mixed ore processing plant with annual capacity of 22 million tons. The difficulties on grinding, grading, floatation, and concentrating of fine particles are all solved by scientific and innovative methods. It is a remarkable breakthrough to the key technology of processing mixed fine ore of hematite and magnetite that restrained Chinese mine industry for a long time. The success greatly pushes forward the technological progress of China’s iron ore sector and the sustainable development of China’s steel industry.

 

The project chief recalled the braveness and courage of TISCO leaders and workers during the establishment of the Yuanjiacun Iron Mine. He said, facing the tough condition and technical challenges, they were so valiant and firm. And finally they successfully turned the sleeping mine into a resource base surrounded by lush trees and grassland. As China has entered into a high quality growth stage, TISCO will continuously improve its technology and management level to build the Yuanjiacun Iron Mine into a leading, green, efficient and modern base that contributes more to Chinese steel industry.

 

The State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, as one of the five top national science honors set by the National Congress, is granted once a year to Chinese citizens or organizations that have made creative contributions to technology research, development, innovation and application, as well as to the fulfillment of key projects or plans.